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Appeal for Myanmar 12 May 2008 Dear Friends of the Order of Malta, The cyclone that swept across Myanmar (Burma) last week has caused the most terrible devastation across the country. 100,000 people are now estimated to have been killed and many more injured. The extent of the damage is impossible to assess, with so much of the roads and infrastructure swept away, however about 1.5 million people are said to be homeless. The Order of Malta has been active preparing for such eventualities in this region since 2001. Using our local knowledge and network, we were able to start helping to protect the precious water supplies in hospitals, communal living areas and other important sites within hours of the disaster. At the weekend we set up an Emergency hospital in the city of Labutta in the Irrawaddy Delta, and have already distributed healthcare and emergency materials to over 40,000 people across several regions For much of the population the outlook is grim. Many have lost family or friends, their homes are destroyed and food and drink is in scarce supply with the outlook of inflation on all goods. The Order is in an advantageous position to help given its existing local presence, its in-depth knowledge of how to deal with such disasters and diplomatic connections allowing to facilitate its activities. However, what we do need is financial support to enable our activities and support these people who are so in need. v Please consider donating to this very urgent and worthwhile cause. Your money will go directly to help those who have lost everything. You can donate online through the donate button on the left side of the page, or by sending a cheque made payable to BASMOM Foreign Aid Service. If you are a UK taxpayer and complete the GiftAid form, we can also reclaim the tax on your donation. We thank you for any donation you can make. Count Nicolas Reuttner - Head of FAS & Deputy Hospitaller Tim Orchard - BASMOM – Hospitaller This is the letter and donation form - click here to download |
